November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, a campaign run by the Oral Health Foundation to raise awareness and encourage everyone to be “mouthaware.” Mouth cancer is a serious condition, but early detection and healthy habits can make a real difference.
The latest UK figures show that 10,825 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year, that’s one person every hour. It is the 17th most common cause of cancer death in the UK, accounting for around 2% of all cancer deaths. The good news is that around 90% of mouth cancers are linked to avoidable lifestyle factors, making prevention possible.
Here’s our 10-point checklist to help protect against mouth cancer:
1. Stop Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor: around two-thirds (66%) of mouth cancers are linked to tobacco use. Smokers are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with mouth cancer as non-smokers.
The risk drops significantly after quitting:
- 1–4 years after quitting: 35% lower risk than current smokers
- 20+ years after quitting: risk is the same as someone who has never smoked
Even second-hand smoke matters. Exposure at home or work for 15+ years, more than doubles the risk in non-smokers.
2. Stop Using Other Tobacco Products
Smokeless tobacco can be just as dangerous. Users have up to 4.5 times higher risk of developing mouth cancer, particularly with chewing forms.
3. Drink Less Alcohol
Alcohol is linked to around a third of all mouth cancers. Drinking more than 10 units per week can increase risk by 81%. Smoking and drinking together can triple your risk.
4. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
A diet low in fruit and vegetables increases mouth cancer risk, while eating plenty of protective vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber helps reduce it. Limit ultra-processed foods, animal fats, and processed meats, and focus on fruits, vegetables, fish, and seeds.
5. Protect Your Mouth from the Sun
Lip cancer is strongly linked to UV exposure. While the connection with other oral cancers is less clear, protecting your lips and skin from the sun with an SPF lip balm is a simple step to reduce risk.
6. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity can reduce the risk of mouth and head & neck cancers by up to 26% for those in the most active groups. Exercise helps boost the immune system and may disrupt cancer cell growth.
7. Protect Yourself Against HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18, is linked to around 73% of oropharyngeal cancers and 12% of oral cavity cancers. Vaccination and awareness of risk factors are important preventive steps.
8. Learn the 2-Minute Self-Check
Watch this short video and learn how to perform an easy self-check at home. Regular self-checks help spot early warning signs such as:
- Mouth ulcers that don’t heal
- White or red patches
- Persistent sore throat
- Bad breath
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Lumps in the mouth, head, or neck
9. Practice Thorough At-Home Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene reduces risks and keeps your mouth healthy. Awareness of mouth cancer signs and risk factors is still low in the UK, so brushing, flossing, and regular checks at home remain vital.
10. Visit the Dentist Regularly
Dental check-ups include a non-invasive mouth cancer screening, making regular visits an essential part of early detection and better survival rates.
543 Dencare makes routine dental care easy to access, with regular check-ups, hygiene appointments, and oral cancer screenings included in a monthly fee of only £18.82 per month.
Take Action Today
Being mouthaware and taking simple lifestyle steps can help protect your smile and overall wellbeing:
- Book a check-up: Call 01482 565488
- Learn more about 543 Dencare: 543dencare.co.uk
- Get involved with Mouth Cancer Action Month: Dental Health Foundation
